New congressman chooses experienced assistant

December 30, 2003 at 11:35 AM EST - Updated June 18 at 2:59 PM

WARREN, Ohio (AP) - U.S. Rep.-elect Timothy J. Ryan has hired a chief of staff with 24 years of experience on Capitol Hill.

Mary Ann Walsh, 47, first met Ryan after his win in the Democratic primary over her former boss -- former Congressman Tom Sawyer, whose Akron-based district was combined with the Youngstown territory once held by expelled Congressman James A. Traficant Jr.

Ryan, of Niles, will be sworn in Jan. 7 as the new 17th District congressman. He plans to have offices in Washington, Warren, Youngstown and Akron.